Open Air Museum

With much love and great fanfare, the Little Portugal Toronto Barcelos Rooster was unveiled at Lakeview Park, on Saturday, September 25, 2021.

A VIP event was held at 1200 Dundas St. W. where honoured dignitaries Mayor John Tory, Deputy Mayor Ana Bailão, José Manuel Carneiro Mendes, Consul General of Portugal in Toronto, Vitor Santos, President of The Barcelos Migrant Association, the Honorable Ahmed Hussen, MP – York South-Weston and our own BIA Chair, AnaBela Taborda, brought greetings. Portuguese community members joined in for a celebratory glass of Portuguese port wine, and enjoyed special entertainment by Rancho de Barcelos, Portuguese-Canadian singer/songwriter Vicky Rai and Portuguese music DJ selections. Many thanks to the Rooster Committee, the Deputy Mayor’s office, StreetART Toronto, Toronto Police Services (for the street escort), BIA business members and many volunteers who helped out, leading up to, and on this happy and much-anticipated occasion.

Local artist, Julia Prajza explained that her winning design for the permanent 9’ statue was based on the themes of new beginnings, hope and optimism. The Rooster truly does honour the rich culture of the Portuguese people, and in Julia’s words, she skillfully “….created this modern-meets-traditional design.“ We invite everyone to stop by, take a selfie and post, and spread the word about our very own Rooster of Barcelos.